Adidas Sambas are certainly nothing new. The striped mainstays were introduced all the way back in 1949. But thanks to several designer collaborations and some influencer fans, Sambas still rule. According to The Lyst Index's The Year in Fashion 2023 report, the Samba earned sneaker of the year status with a little help from Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber and others. Not to mention covet-worthy collections courtesy of Wales Bonner, Sporty & Rich and Pharrell Williams.
We're betting the sneaker staple will also reign in 2024. So we embarked on a mission to find the most fashionable styles currently available. And yes, we managed to track down some pairs of the hyped Wales Bonner offering. Our criteria is pretty simple. The versions have to have plenty of personality along with the flexibility to go with many items you probably already have in your wardrobe. Some of our favorites are literal OGs. Although they're considered old school, they still add a kick to trendy ensembles. We also included picks that speak to the sportier soul of the sneaker, including a soccer fundamental.
When it comes to colors, we're favoring both neutrals and concentrated bursts of color. From a red-enhanced Adidas x Wales Bonner creation to a beige, borderline pink nubuck take. While the classic stripes symbolize the Samba aesthetic, we fell head over heels with a soon-to-be-released gray pair that forgoes those immediately recognizable lines.
The price points can vary wildly. You can score a great set for as low as $90. Obviously, the designer collab ones cost a tad more. Sometimes a lot more. Blame it on their collectability and scarceness. So if you have your heart set on a "designer" edition, prepare to spend more. Before you go any further, decide how much you can afford to drop on your must-have pair. If you do feel comfortable shelling out a little extra, rest assured that these kicks are bound to still be in style for the rest of this year. Probably even for years to come.
Keep reading to see which Adidas Sambas deserve It status in 2024 and therefore belong in your closet.
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Sneakers, $312 at Farfetch
Adidas Samba Classic in Core Black/Cloud White/Core Black, $90 at Adidas
Adidas Gender Inclusive Samba OG Sneaker in Putty/Aurora/Silver Met., $100 at Nordstrom
Adidas Originals + Sporty & Rich Samba OG Embellished Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers in White, $120 at Net-a-Porter
Adidas Originals Samba OG Leather-Trimmed Nubuck Sneakers, $150 at Net-a-Porter
Adidas Originals Samba OG Sneakers, $120 at LuisaViaRoma
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Cream/Yellow Sneakers, $184 at Farfetch
Adidas Originals Humanrace Samba Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers in Green, $180 at Net-a-Porter
Adidas Originals Samba OG Shoes in Preloved Ink S24/Night Indigo/Grey Six, $120 at Adidas
Adidas Samba Suede Sneakers, $150 at Mytheresa
Adidas Samba Black/White Sneakers, $151 at Farfetch
Adidas Samba Lux Shoes, $150 at Adidas
Adidas Samba OG Leather Sneakers, $128 at Farfetch
